NFL Training Camp Roundup

TAMPA, Fla. -- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers waived seven players following a morning practice that marked the first workout of top draft choice Paul Gruber.

Tampa Bay signed Gruber to a five-year contract Sunday, ending a four-week holdout for the University of Wisconsin tackle.

Gruber, tentatively listed as the club's third-string left tackle, may play in Saturday night's exhibition game against Cleveland.

'I watched Gruber a little bit today,' Tampa Bay Coach Ray Perkins said. 'He looks like a guy who's missed a month of training camp. I'd like to use him Saturday, but it depends how much he can catch up.'

Gruber, who could still start the regular-season opener against Philadelphia Sept. 4, worked out extensively with the Buccaneers during the spring. While agent Ralph Cindrich tried to forge a deal with Tampa Bay, the fourth player selected in the draft tried to remain in shape with informal workouts in Wisconsin.

'I think everything went pretty well this morning,' Gruber said. 'A lot of my techniques are rusty and I have to think through a lot of things, but I don't feel lost out there.'